Application Development Education and Training Program Info

Programs in application development are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as both degree and certificate programs. Students become prepared for work developing and managing software in a variety of positions.

Essential Information

Application developers design and create software for computers, mobile devices and the Web. Undergraduate degrees in this field include the Associate of Applied Science in Application Development and the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Undergraduate programs that focus on application development give students a solid foundation in the field. Students learn about programming languages and data communications as they move into their application design studies. Beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, some undergraduate programs may require a placement test.

Application for the Certificate in Web Application Development requires that the student have experience in creating web content and programming. A bachelor's degree in a relevant area is preferred. Students learn the coding needed for developing many types of applications, including those for mobile devices.

Associate of Applied Science in Application Development

Associate's degree programs in application development can be completed in two years. Students first become familiar with computer operating systems, web development and database design before learning about scripting and application design. The associate's degree program focuses on PC applications, including Microsoft Access and Excel. Some programs prepare students to take the Microsoft Certified Application Developer exam and the Sun Certified Java Programmer exam.

In addition to application development courses, students take classes emphasizing business knowledge, such as technical writing, business communications and macroeconomics. Coding courses include Java, Visual Basic, .Net, Pearl and SQL. Other associate's-level courses are:

Web programming

Microcomputer applications

Linux configuration

Windows configuration

Web server administration

Visual software

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Application Development

Many bachelor's degree programs in information technology are available with a focus in application development. Completion of these programs typically takes four years and includes an internship. Undergraduate students learn to troubleshoot hardware and software. Topics include data communications, relational databases and programming languages. Students also become familiar with legal and ethical issues as well as standard requirements for application design, creation, testing and quality assurance.

Many application development programs merge business management with technology education. General education courses cover communication, professional writing, social sciences and math. Broad information technology courses on operating systems, computer security and programming are also included in the bachelor's program. Core class topics include:

Software testing

Systems design

Human-computer interaction

User interface design

Database management

Web programming

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Certificate in Web Application Development

A certificate program in web applications development discusses relevant coding languages and frameworks, such as .NET and SQL. Certificate students learn to anticipate needs for services and then design software systems and user interfaces for businesses based on these needs. Other topics include Internet security and web application hosting infrastructures. Some programs include a focus on mobile applications.

Popular Career Options

Graduates of the associate's degree in are prepared for entry-level positions in the information and technology industry. Common titles for these jobs are:

Database programmer

Software developer

Application developer

Web developer

Web administrator

A bachelor's degree is the minimum degree level for many software development positions. Graduates may be prepared for careers in customer support, information and technology, programming and website development. Possible job titles include:

Network communications specialist

Network administrator

Systems analyst

Network system engineer

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

Graduates of these degree or certificate programs may obtain a position as an applications software developer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer software developers for applications had a median annual wage of $98,260 in May 2015. The BLS also predicted that applications software development will be a fast-growing occupation between 2014 and 2024, with employment expected to increase by 19%.

Continuing Education Information

Graduate degree programs are also available for students who complete their bachelor's degree in information technology and wish to continue their career. Master of Science in Information Systems programs often concentrate on Internet or web application development.

Degrees in application development can be pursued at the associate's and bachelor's level; certificates in web development are also available at the graduate level. These programs prepare students for work developing and managing software on a variety of platforms, including web, mobile applications and network systems.